By Kevin Donlin, Guaranteed Resumes
You already know enough to practice your answers to such commonly asked
interview questions as "Can you tell me about yourself?" and "Why do you
want this job?"
But what's really going through the mind of that person sitting across the
table from you at the job interview? What are those HR people thinking as
you sweat out your answers to their questions?
To find out, I interviewed Ms. X, an HR Manager from a Twin Cities-based
marketing firm. She agreed to share some of the things she looks for while
interviewing candidates.
Now, here's the transcript of my interview with Ms. X:
Kevin Donlin: "What are some of the things you're listening for as candidates
talk with you during a job interview?"
Ms. X: "First, I'm listening for self-awareness. Do they have goals? Do they
know what their goals are for one year, five years and further down the
road? I'm looking for team players with good judgment, who will help my
company out over the long term. Because I don't want to have to fill this
position again in six months."
Kevin: "So, candidates will help themselves by being self-aware but not
self-centered?"
Ms. X: "Yes, that's a good balance. I'm also looking for adaptability. How
has the candidate handled change in the past? Given the fact that the world
of work is changing so rapidly these days, I want flexible people who can
adapt to new systems and processes."
Kevin: "Other important points?"
Ms. X: "I think that, related to adaptability, it's important to have a good
learning ability. In any industry, you have to stay current on new trends
and technologies. What works today won't work in five years ... maybe not
even in five months! Candidates should be able to master new skills and
information as quickly as possible. I look for this in resumes and during
the job interview.
"Overall, I'm looking for candidates who are a good fit, not just for the
job description, but for the corporate culture here. But I won't come right
out and ask: 'Do you think you're a good fit for us?' No. The whole
interview gives me the answer to that question -- everything the candidate
has said and they way they've acted."
So there you have it. While every HR professional is different, you should at least be aware of
the fact that your attitude and unspoken answers during a job interview can
be just as important as your answers to the more direct questions.
Best of luck to you!
-- Kevin Donlin is the author of "Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed," a do-it-yourself manual that will help you find a job in 30 days ... or your money back. For more information, please visit
http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com/guaranteed-resumes.php
